Editor’s note: Corrections were made to this article.

The House Republicans released their proposed budget, which included a proposed 15.5 percent budget cut to the UNC system, a cut that could result in the loss of 10,000 class sections across the system, according to legislators.

Though realignment cuts have already knocked out several University services and administrative positions, more cuts are imminent. The proposed budget reduction is equivalent to cutting five campuses entirely from the 17-campus UNC system, according to Rep. Rick Glazier (D).

The proposed budget has been approved by the North Carolina House of Representatives, but must now go through the state Senate. The proposal must go back through the House before being presented to Gov. Bev Perdue for final approval.

“This is going to dramatically affect every student’s educational opportunity,” Glazier said.

Chandler Thompson, who was sworn in as Student Body President this week, said she will do her best to make sure class sections and the academic integrity of the University will be protected.

“We have the proposed budget, and we want to create an opportunity to get as many students involved as possible,” Thompson said.

Thompson outlined her priorities when considering impending budget cuts. She said shielding the University’s capability to provide financial aid, because 60 percent of N.C. State students receive some form of financial aid.

“Protecting financial aid is the biggest thing we need to communicate to legislators,” Thompson said.

Thompson is currently working on a letter to all students that will explain the budget situation. The letter will be delivered via email, but the delivery date is unknown, according to Thompson.

Dean Jayne Fleener of the College of Education the possible cuts would affect all colleges and graduation.

“All these changes may delay some students’ graduation,” Fleener said.

Glazier agreed the cuts could prevent many students from graduating on time or also taking desired electives. There would also be majors eliminated within colleges, a decrease in academic quality and decreased student-professor interaction.

The cuts would also diminish the University’s ability to conduct research, Glazier said.

Rep. Jennifer Weiss (D) said the cuts would present a loss of 240,000 class seats to the UNC system. When asked about how the cut would impact N.C. State in particular, she said she was “very concerned,” and legislators should take a “more balanced approach” to the state budget. Weiss represents District 35, N.C. State’s geographic jurisdiction.

The proposed 10.5 percent cut from the N.C. education budget would remove $1.25 billion from K-12 public schools, community colleges and higher education, according to Weiss.

Weiss said the state government is making a mistake by considering such deep education cuts. Weiss agreed with ThompsonÕs assertion that students should be informed about the state legislature’s actions and decisions.

“Students need to get in touch with legislators throughout the state,” Weiss said.

State Sen. Josh Stein (D) said Chancellor Randy Woodson has been in communication with the legislature. In fact, Stein had the opportunity to meet with Woodson two weeks ago.

During the meeting, Woodson argued that cuts as deep as 15.5 percent would harm the University’s ability to protect academic integrity. Woodson has preached his goal of protecting academic integrity since he first introduced the University realignment plan.

Woodson said the cut would have a “dramatic effect on the delivery of education,” according to Stein.

Stein agreed with Woodson and Weiss, saying he was “extremely concerned” about the quality of education in the UNC system.

The proposed budget will hurt undergraduate and graduate students alike, Fleener said.

“There may be less support for graduate students, we may need larger classes, and courses offered to non-education majors might be affected,” Fleener said.

The Technician attempted to contact Republican representatives, but did not receive return calls.

Staff writer Justin Rose contributed to this article.